Reflections: A Preface
Little did Dorothy and Jacque Vallier know that when they serendipitously
began collecting pressed glass goblets it would be the beginning
of a world-class collection. Inspired by a GOOSEBERRY sugar and creamer
from her family's farm, Dory began to collect goblets at the time
Jacque was completing his collection of implements and memorabilia
for a logging museum. After their first goblet purchases in 1969,
Dory and Jacque shared a serious interest in pressed glass collecting.
Together, they kept detailed records of each purchase and its particular
attributes.
By 1984 they had acquired over 1200 different patterns
of pressed glass goblets and the collection was outgrowing their
home. In July, 1984, the Valliers gave the entire collection to
the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Sharing their personal
property for the benefit and edification of others was not new to
Dory and Jacque. They gave the university its experimental forest,
Treehaven in 1979. In addition to giving their elaborate and well-documented
goblet collection to the university, they generously helped underwrite
the costs of a permanent installation in the Fine Arts Center,
and the research and publication of this catalog.(50 Favorites: Early
American Pressed Glass Goblets)
The installation includes five permanent exhibition cases to display
the Vallier collection and an introductory section. The introductory
case highlights the production and collecting history of pressed
glass and, along with the catalog, helps accomplish the Valliers'
main objective: To increase an awareness and appreciation of pressed
glass for the enthusiast as well as the novice.
A leading authority
on glass, Kirk J. Nelson, was chosen to write the critical essays
for this catalog. He skillfully illuminates what is known about
the specific origins of each goblet and tells facinating stories
of how the events and culture of 19th-century America are revealed
in various designs and patterns. Detailed photographs strengthen
the documentary nature of this catalog.
The addition of such an
outstanding collection of American pressed glass would please any
institution. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is fortunate
to have the vision and unflagging enthusiasm of Dory and Jacque
Vallier who bring this unique and beautiful collection to light for
all of us.
Renee Gouaux Project Director and Exhibition Curator
April, 1993
(Excerpted from the catalog: (50 Favorites:
Early American Pressed Glass Goblets Selections from the Dorothy
and Jacque Vallier Collection)
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